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Hedge fund to sponsor Partick

Date published: Monday 22nd June 2015 10:55

Kingsford Capital Management has agreed a six-figure sponsorship deal with the Premiership side after art-loving co-founder Mike Wilkins became a long-distance fan following a conversation with Glasgow-based artist David Shrigley.

The pair met at a dinner in San Francisco several years ago and Wilkins’ interest has since mushroomed to the extent that his company will be Thistle’s main sponsors for the next two seasons.

Wilkins, who owns shares in NBA champions Golden State Warriors, said: “I had been looking for an opportunity to get involved with something like this in the UK for a while but hadn’t been able to find the right match.

“When I got talking to David Shrigley about Partick Thistle it seemed like it could be the perfect fit. The next step for me was to speak directly to the club.

“I must say that every conversation I had with the club, from start to finish, went really well and certainly built the impression that this was an organisation I very much wanted to be involved with…

“It is very much like sport in that regard and, with David’s help and genius, I hope we can bring something unique and new to an already fantastic club.”

Turner Prize-nominated Shrigley, who was born in Cheshire but attended Glasgow School of Art, said: “As a Jags man it’s an honour to be involved with the club in this way. I can’t wait to see my design on the front of the shirts and around Firhill and just hope the fans like what we’re trying to do.

“It’s safe to say we have a few surprises in store for the supporters and we’re already in talks with a few other artists to arrange some pretty exciting giveaways over the course of the season.”

Shrigley designed the club’s new mascot, Kingsley, and the unveiling has caused a stir on social media, provoking a reaction amongst supporters of all clubs.

The artist added: “Maybe he represents one’s feelings when one is watching at Firhill over the course of a season. We’ve had some highs and lows at Partick Thistle.

“Last season was a bit of a high and we are still in the Premiership so that’s great and hopefully we’ll have more smiles next season.

“So maybe if we stay up again next season we can have a smiley version of him.”

Thistle managing director Ian Maxwell said: “Getting a sponsor like this on board, an American financial services firm, is a real coup for us.”